Two La. women must repay thousands in food-stamp fraud

Published: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 12:24 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 12:24 p.m.

BATON ROUGE — Two women are on supervised probation and must repay a total of nearly $21,000 received through food stamp fraud.

Angelique Lowery of Denham Springs and Sonja Cook of Tickfaw both pleaded guilty to defrauding the program by failing to report that their husbands were living with them, according to the Department of Children and Family Services.

Lowery must repay $7,722 to the department and Cook must repay $13,270, department spokesman Trey Williams said in a news release Tuesday.

"Cases such as these should serve as a warning to anyone who is fraudulently claiming benefits," said department Secretary Suzy Sonnier. "DCFS will use all of its available tools, include the latest in technology and resources, to track down those who choose to break the law and will seek prosecution to the fullest extent possible."

Lowery is on probation for five years and Cook for two, Williams said.

Both were sentenced in 21st Judicial District Court.

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